On Our Way
Posted: May 12, 2012 | Tags: Parenting, Travel | Comments: 0
A few hours ago I had to kiss my little Monkey Bear good-bye before he drove off to spend the next few weeks with grandpa and grandma. I tried my best not to let him see me cry, but he knew. I have faith that we will all be safe and will be reunited before I know it, but it's hard not to get caught-up on worst case scenarios that leave me feeling guilty for taking this trip in the first place. Fortunately, I have so many great friends, family, and a loving husband who has said all of the right things to make this day a little bit easier. Thank you ~ you know who you are! Tomorrow is ... Read More »
A Few Things
Posted: May 11, 2012 | Tags: Parenting, Travel | Comments: 0
This past week has been bittersweet to say the least. While on one hand I have been busy and excited for our long-awaited European vacation, I have also been carrying a heavy and anxious heart. I know we will experience an amazing two weeks and that Jackson will be in good hands while with my parents. However, the thought of not being with him day in and day out is almost more than I can bear (and to think of all those times I longed for someone to take him off my hands for a few hours!) I keep reminding myself that everything will be fine, we will all be safe, and that this trip will be good for all ... Read More »
This Past Week, Briefly
Posted: May 7, 2012 | Tags: Holiday, Parenting | Comments: 0
I have finally found a few moments to sit down and write. I have been sporadic in blogging over the past few weeks due to a busy social calendar, home owner association responsibilities (I'm the Treasurer, sigh ), preparing for our Europe trip (we leave in 5 days!), and traveling home to Iowa all of last week for my grandma's 90th birthday celebrations - not to mention being a full-time SAHM! It's funny how fast priorities in life can change. It wasn't too long ago when I felt incomplete if I didn't have a blog post for the day and would go to great lengths to get one out into the void. However, I have realized that living is so ... Read More »
Ninety Years
Posted: May 2, 2012 | Tags: Holiday, Parenting | Comments: 1
Today is my grandma's 90th birthday. I can't even imagine living to celebrate ninety years of life and can only hope I am as lucky and healthy if I do. My grandma Ruby is one of the most honest, fair, and respected women I know. She is loved by all who know her and has touched so many lives with her wisdom and grace. I feel truly blessed to have such an amazing role model in my life and will continue to do my best to not only make her proud but to follow in her footsteps. At the age of 90 she flew by herself from Arizona to spend time with her family in her hometown of Waterloo, ... Read More »
It's All In The Bag
Posted: Apr 25, 2012 | Tags: Fashion and Beauty | Comments: 0
It's hard to believe Travis and I will be leaving for Europe in just a few short weeks, and since Jackson and I will be in Iowa all of next week, I have a lot to do in preparation. So, yesterday I started writing my to-do, to-buy, and to-pack lists and began putting together mix & match outfits - I'm going to try my best to pack light, which will be difficult. I also searched my closet for the perfect travel bag. I would like to bring a cross body that is lightweight and can carry our camera along with other daily essentials. I've also decided that with the exception of a small clutch, this is the only bag I ... Read More »
The "What's That?"
Posted: Apr 24, 2012 | Tags: Parenting | Comments: 0
It is simply amazing to me how one morning Jackson can just wake up and not only seem wiser, but with an entirely new vocabulary as if he had been reading a dictionary all night while pretending to be asleep. Whether he is asking how many more minutes? to the nearest rest stop so he can go to the potty like a big boy (scratch that, man), telling me he wants to drive and that he has his own set of keys, asking me if I'm okay when I stub my toe, or understanding the difference between positive and negative words & sentences, Jackson is constantly keeping me on my toes. The newest change, albeit not entirely as welcoming, is ... Read More »
Skin Deep
Posted: Apr 18, 2012 | Tags: Fashion and Beauty | Comments: 0
Now that I'm a mommy and aging by the day it seems, I've realized I need to start taking better care of my skin in a more preventative manner. I've never worried about fine lines or wrinkles before, and even though I don't have any yet to speak of, I'm sure that phase of life is not too far off. My skin seemed to be the healthiest when I was pregnant with Jackson, but has since taken on a mind of it's own in ways I'm not particularly fond of. So, along with the Clinique 3-step system that I have used for the past 4 years, I recently introduced the following products to my daily regime and have already noticed ... Read More »
Potty Trained.
Posted: Apr 17, 2012 | Tags: Parenting | Comments: 0
In the beginning of March, two months after Jackson celebrated his second birthday, I decided to take the ultimate plunge and have him go diaper-free for the first time. Travis and I first introduced the potty to Jackson when he was around 18 months old. Some may say that's a little early, especially for a boy, but I believe if you gradually introduce a concept before it's absolutely necessary to grasp, the process not only goes smoother, but a whole lot faster. So, from 18 months to 26 months, the potty was there for Jackson if he wanted it. Any time I saw a serious & quiet look on his face, I would ask him if he had to ... Read More »
My World
Posted: Apr 16, 2012 | Tags: Parenting, Relationships | Comments: 0
My husband turned 35 today, which is crazy to say. We met when we were 23 and though we have definitely been through a lot together, I can't believe how fast the years have flown by. I remember when he and I first started dating and I told him that I wished I knew what it would have been like to hold him as a baby. He looked at me in a strange way - it does sound a little twisted - but there was something about him in that moment (and in all our moments to come) that made me want to love him from the beginning. I obviously can't go back, but our precious son Jackson gives ... Read More »
A Few Things
Posted: Apr 13, 2012 | Tags: Organization and Home | Comments: 0
I am ready for it to be the weekend. I didn't get any of the things done today that were initially on my list (sigh) but I did spend the entire afternoon with one of my good friends and her brand new baby girl, which made the change in plans entirely worth it. This week has been all over the place in terms of priorities and schedules, so even though my to do lists might not be completely crossed off and my house not entirely clean, our bellies are full, our eyes rested, our social calendar booked and a few items on my wish list made their way into my home. Here are a few things - along with my ... Read More »
